“Of the four vintages I’ve tasted of this wine, the 2018 Cenit shows that it’s possible to achieve complexity and precision in a natural, unforced way.”
Joaquín Hidalgo, Contributor for Vinous by Antonio Galloni, June 2022
With outstanding 94 points, the new release of Cenit, vintage 2018, was awarded among the best Chilean Red wines rated by Joaquín Hidalgo, Argentinian journalist, oenologist and reviewer of Argentina and Chile for Antonio Galloni’s Vinous, one of the most renowned wine publications in the world.
Hidalgo travelled to Chile earlier this year and visited around 40 producers from Aconcagua to Itata valleys. His report recounts his experience in the country across 800 bottled tasted.
In his latest report entitled “Chile in Transition” published in June 2022, the 2018 vintage of Cenit was widely praised: “A blend of 58% Malbec, 30% Petit Verdot, 7% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Colchagua Valley, one-third fermented in oak and aged for 24 months in 19% new French barrels. Purple in the glass. The grape combination makes for a complex but mellow nose of plum herbs, blueberry, black tea and chamomile. In the mouth, this is juicy and light on its feet, with a slightly compact flow that grows silkier before the bold but nuanced finish. This is a voyage of discovery for Colchagua; of the four vintages I’ve tasted of this wine, the 2018 Cenit shows that it’s possible to achieve complexity and precision in a natural, unforced way.”
This remarkable rating is even more relevant as it is one of the top scores that Vinous dedicated to wines sourced from Colchagua Valley, and that positions Cenit 2018 among the top 5 best wines of the valley.
In his 2021 Chile Report, Hidalgo already acknowledges the quality of Caliterra wines: “During my tastings, I was particularly taken with the work being done by Caliterra. Located in the middle of the valley with some vineyards on the plains and others on the hillsides, their wines offer freshness and precisely calibrated fruit flavors.” A compliment that supports Caliterra’s commitment, which is the crafting of wines that show the true essence of its terroir, always looking for a perfect balance between nature and man’s work through innovative and unique sustainable practices.
Other wines included in the report were:
Carmenere Pétreo 2020, 93 points: “The 2020 Carmenere Pétreo from Colchagua Valley was fermented and aged in 16% new barrels. Purple in color. The nose presents notes of ripe plum, jalapeño and Provençal herbs plus touches of fresh blackberry, blueberry and cigar box. Juicy and medium-bodied, with a nimble flow and rich freshness. The flavors at the back of the mouth are underlined by a layer of herbs.”
Pétreo Malbec 2019, 93 points: “The 2019 Malbec Caliterra Pétreo comes from Colchagua and was one-third fermented in barrels before two-thirds was also aged in them for 18 months while the rest sat in amphorae. Bright purple in the glass. The nose presents notes of fresh plum and chamomile plus hints of violet and damp earth. Compact on the palate, with juicy freshness and a saline flow that leaves the mouth feeling cleansed but full of flavor. This is a precise, modern wine.”
Tributo Malbec 2020, 92 points: “The 2020 Malbec Caliterra Tributo from Colchagua spent 12 months in used French barrels. Intense purple in color. The pure aromatic profile features fresh plum, herbs and a hint of violets. In the mouth, the firm tannins, made slightly sharp by the local clay, combine with juice from the precise acidity to define a red with grip and diaphanous flavor.”
Tributo Chardonnay 2020, 90 points: “The 2020 Chardonnay Tributo from Casablanca was aged for 9 months in used barrels. Yellow in color. The fragrant nose features creamed corn, hazelnut, linden blossom and oak. Creamy with good malic freshness and a smooth flow; the finish is refreshing.”
